Shaken toddler takes turn for worse

The 2-year-old Washington Township boy who may have suffered brain damage after he was allegedly shaken by his mother’s boyfriend took a turn for the worse in the hospital on Monday, according to media reports and the family’s Facebook page.

Damian Sutton remains listed in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital in Detroit. He was rushed into emergency surgery on Sunday as doctors removed a portion of his skull to alleviate the swelling in his brain.

But on Monday night, the family was told the youngster is 80 percent brain dead and they may face a quality of life decision for him, WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) reported. Damian could be in a hospital bed breathing only with the aid of a respirator under one scenario.

His father, Tim Sutton, said on the Prayers for Damian Sutton Facebook page said his son is completely off medications now and doctors will closely observe his condition over the next 24 hours.

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“His breathing has increased between the breaths from the vent(ilator), but they are very shallow, which is not good,” the father said in the Facebook post. “Tomorrow will bring more definite answers.”

Damian has been in a medically induced coma since Aug. 21.

That’s the day his mother’s boyfriend, who was babysitting the youngster while the mother was at work, called 911 from his parents’ home in Washington Township to report Damian was not breathing.

The boyfriend, Ronald Dimambro, 26, has since been charged with first-degree child abuse after he allegedly told investigators from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office that he shook the boy.

Dimambro, who has a past criminal record including domestic violence, is being held in the Macomb County Jail on a $500,000 bond. He is scheduled to face a preliminary exam today in 42-2 District Court in Romeo to determine whether he will stand trial on the charges.

Also today, Younger’s Irish Tavern on Main Street in Romeo will host a fundraiser for the family from 4-9 p.m. All monetary donations will be given to the Damian Sutton Fund.